Why are lakes and oceans are able to stabilize air and land temperatures?

Question

Peyton Adams · Accepted Answer

#H_2O# has a heat capacity over four times larger than that of #N_2#. Heat capacity is how much energy a substance can absorb before its temperature changes.

You will experience less temperature variation over a given period of time the closer you are to a heat sink because solar incidental radiation varies so much throughout the day. In general, adjacent land masses will be more stable the larger the body of water; however, locally, this is not always the case because certain atmospheric movements can limit or prevent interactions between a land mass and its neighboring water body. However, as you look at the planet as a whole, water-worlds are the most stable, temperature-wise, all due to the unique physical properties of #H_2O#. And, in many localized areas, this stability can be demonstrated all the way down to the swimming-pool size. That's where I like to sit!

Henry Antrim · Answer

undefined Water bodies stabilize air and land temperatures due to their high specific heat capacity. Water can absorb and store large amounts of heat energy without significant temperature changes. This property helps regulate the surrounding environment by absorbing excess heat during warm periods and releasing stored heat during cooler periods, thereby moderating temperature fluctuations in the air and on land.